Historic Winton 2003

[Grant Campbell]

To all HISTORIC WINTON Competitors, Officials, Supporters & Fans of Historic Motor Sport,

Within the next few days we expect to see the V8 Calendar released showing a V8 round on the last full weekend in May, at Winton. Most of you will realize that the Austin 7 Club has run HISTORIC WINTON on that date for the past 26 years.

As a result of Winton Raceway accepting that date, we will have to change our date to, probably, the following weekend, ie the 31st May & 1st June. Nevertheless we are still working on it and might I suggest everyone keeps their bookings for the last 'full' weekend, but book for the following weekend, just in case.

We are not in the slightest bit happy with this situation and we are very proud of our achievement in running this event for so long on the same date. Gladly many others see it the same way. Unfortunately, it seems we can do absolutely nothing about it. We have appealed to Winton Raceway, CAMS and AVESCO. The circuit must fit in with the AVESCO calendar, AVESCO have settled their calendar and will not review it, & CAMS will not get involved.

We can understand the dilemma for the circuit as a V8 round is obviously essential for their well being. It is very disappointing that AVESCO do not have to consider any other race meeting, but it is reprehensible that CAMS can wash their hands of the whole thing. We expected 100% support from CAMS, mostly in consideration of our long & successful history and the status we have achieved, and partly because we have an assurance from CAMS, dated August 6, that "Traditional Historic events have priority when it comes to dates and the time line" (??). No interest had ever been shown before for that date at Winton, CAMS know that, but will not even appeal to AVESCO on our behalf.

As a matter of interest, the Austin 7 Club, more so than any other club can claim a long history of association with not only CAMS but Winton Raceway as well. Founding members of CAMS, Maurie Monk, Don Thomson, John Pryce & Graham Hoinville were all members of the Austin 7 Club. As well as HISTORIC WINTON the Austin 7 Club also ran the 6 Hour Relay at Winton from 1967 to 1973 after moving that event from Fishermans Bend & then Calder where we ran it from 1962.

The Austin 7 Club's achievements, have all been done in what most would regard as the true spirit of motor 'sport'. We have always set out to run the best possible events we can, including the Arthurs Seat Hillclimb, just because we can. Not for the money, glory or any reason other than to enjoy motor sport. As an aside; just the other day someone remarked to us, in regard to Historic Winton, 'It's not what you do, it's how you do it'.

At this stage we are not all that confident of getting anyone to change their minds, but hope springs eternal (even if loyalty, integrity and ethics are put on the back burner!), so keep an eye on our website www.historicwinton.org or www.austin7club.org

We'll be in touch.

Grant Campbell
Event Director "HISTORIC WINTON"
c/- 33 Bright St
East Brighton 3187

Ph/Fax 03 9592 9310 03 9596 2777 Mob: 0419 874 299
thecampbells@netspace.net.au

[mickj]

Grant
Thanks for the info. Trust cams not to tell tc to buzz of and select another weekend and leave Winton Historics alone. The historic meeting at winton is great.